Paint the Town Green

Green, the color of envy and money, has been having a manicure moment. Along with sandals and warm breezes, the cheery jades, mint greens, and Nouvelle Vague knock-offs have been left behind. As befits a season full of military inspiration, a decidedly darker shade has emerged—olive green.

The love child of jade and the now-ubiquitous greige, olive manages to be neutral and interesting at the same time. It's mature and work-appropriate in its cream incarnations and the addition of sparkle dilutes its seriousness.

Fall's best shades include Chanel's Khaki Vert ($25). But good luck finding it. It launched in September as a Limited Edition color, and is currently sold out on Chanel's website. (But we've spotted a few stray bottles on eBay!)

Essie`s Sew Psyched ($8) is much easier to find. It's a staple at every salon in New York and it may just be the perfect shade of creamy khaki green.

Nars` limited edition vintage nail polish in Mash ($16) has been making the red carpet rounds. Their version of army green comes with a gold shimmer—kind of like boot camp goes to the disco.Rescue Beauty Lounge`s No More War & Anne ($18). The first is a creamy olive with mustard undertones and the second is khaki green with hints of pink and gold iridescence. These win in the quality department—Rescue Beauty Lounge stays on your nails for ages.

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OPI, Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow ($8). The darkest of the bunch, this olive leans towards forest green. Make sure you get the regular polish and not the Suede version of this color—the Suede looks more hunter than khaki green.

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